The US State Department has approved a possible sale of Apache or Viper attack helicopters to the Philippines.
The Philippines is evaluating a possible purchase of either six Boeing-built AH-64E Apaches or six Bell Helicopter-built AH-1Z Vipers.
According to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the deal for six Apaches, including Hellfire and Stinger missiles, advanced precision kill weapon system (APKWS) kits, radars, communications systems and other ammunition, is worth $1.5 billion.
Acquiring six Vipers, including Hellfire and Sidewinder missiles adn decoys, among other, would come with an estimated price tag of $450 million.
The proposed sale would modernize the country’s attack helicopter capabilities and assist the Philippines in developing and maintaining strong self-defense, counterterrorism, and critical infrastructure protection capabilities, the DSCA said in a statement.
Both the Apache and the Viper helicopters are in service with the US armed forces.
